My family and I have been fortunate enough to be able to go to Disney every year now since the summer of 2015. We’ve gone mostly during the summer months. But are going back in less than 2 days now! This is the first time we will be there for the holiday season. So very excited for our upcoming Disney vacation!
But the most common excuse I hear for people not being able to go to Disney is that they just don’t have the cash. While I totally get that, nor am I saying it’s not a legitimate excuse. However for those of you who want to go to Disney. But also are still wondering how in the world to make it happen. This post is for you!
The time to start saving for your Disney vacation is last month! Also booking a last minute trip to Disney can actually keep you from a lot of experiences. Plus, it limits your dining reservations. I’m going to show you how you can save up for a Disney vacation in just a single year!
Set a Budget for A Disney Vacation
The first step in planning any Disney vacation is to set a budget. The average Disney vacation will cost $5,000 once it’s all said and done. For the sake of simplicity in this article, we are going with that. When determining your budget, it’s all about choices. If you decide to stay on site, you will get some perks. This includes attending after magic hours, a Disney experience at your resort, and free parking at any of the Disney parks. However, if you are looking to save a little money, it might make more sense to stay off site. A Disney vacation is all about choices. So, it’s up to you to decide what the right choice is for your family.
Start Saving for A Disney Vacation
Once you have a budget in mind, it’s time to turn it into a reality. This means it’s time to start saving! My recommendation is to plan your trip at least a year in advance. See this gives you enough time to save and plan your trip. However, this is not required at all.
By making small changes to your budget, you can easily save up for a Disney vacation in just one year. Challenge yourself to make one small change each week to help you save up for your trip. If you regularly purchase Starbucks drinks, that habit is costing you about $5 a day, which is $35 a week, or $140 a month! Instead, put the money you would have spent into your Disney vacation fund for a few weeks. Therefore, you’re already well on your way!
Here is a printable Weekly Countdown Savings Plan to get you started!
If you’d prefer, you can also choose to save monthly instead. While these numbers may be harder to swallow, it can easily be achieved! Maybe now is a good time to try for a lower grocery budget. Start using coupons. Or even look for ways to cut back on your grocery budget, and put the leftovers into your trip fund! You can also give a number of these side hustles a try to help you earn extra cash for your trip.
Here is a printable Monthly Countdown Savings Plan to get you started!
Saving for a trip to Disney isn’t always as difficult as it may seem. While a $5,000 trip is certainly a tough number to look at, it can easily be achieved! Now, I can’t wait for our next trip to Disney, and I hope this has helped you prepare for yours as well!
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William Holland says
Good for you! I think it is very cool that your family makes all those memories with so many trips to Disney. Great parents you are!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bill and I honestly love it there, too. Probably a bit of a guilty pleasure, but still. Happy Wednesday to you now 🙂
Nellie says
This is pretty brilliant! Disney can get pretty costly pretty quickly but if you plan, the cost won’t bother you as much because you are too busy having fun!
Janine says
Aw, I couldn’t agree more and glad to help others with getting to go to Disney this way, too 🙂
ShootingStarsMag says
Thanks for sharing. I’ve only been to Disney once and that was when I was younger. I would LOVE to go again someday though, but I know I’ll have to save early!!
I hope you have a great time on your trip.
-Lauren
Janine says
Aw, thank you, Lauren and can’t wait to share all about this latest trip here soon, too 🙂
Jen says
You guys leave in 2 days?! I am so jealous! Have fun. Disney during the holidays is super fun!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Jen and I am seriously so excited to be getting to go during the holidays there 😉
AnnMarie John says
Those are great tips. That’s how I usually save for mine. My next trip won’t be however until 2019, but we’ll be heading to Disneyland Tokyo. We usually go at least 2-3 times a year to Disney but we’re skipping it entirely next year. BTW I always say that and end up still going for a special event. 🙂
Janine says
I know you are a lot like me in that way, too. As I say I won’t, but still can’t stay away from Disney no matter how hard I would try 😉
Kenya G. Johnson says
Well I imagine you are on your way so have fun! I know you aren’t a fan of cooler temps but I much rather go to Disney now than in the summer. And wow to how Starbucks drinks add up. I spend $4 something once a week so that’s $28 right there.
Aunt Gloria says
Hope you are all having a wonderful time! xxxxoooo
Janine says
Thanks, Aunt Gloria. So far so good xoxoxo 😉
Janine says
Been a wonderful trip. Sad to leave, but glad to have been able to go twice in one year xoxoxo 😉
Christine Carter says
Such great tips Janine! We always say we never would have enough money for this trip…
With your steps and helpful charts, it seems a bit more feasible after all! My kids have never been, and boy would they love to go!
I hope you have a WONDERFUL TIME!!
Janine says
Aw, thank you Chris and we had a blast. Almost over but have so many great memories to keep me until over next upcoming trip!!! 😉
Tamara says
Pretty amazing. Wow! We are going in January and we usually use a paycheck I get at the end of every year and then sort of save up after the holidays. Although that doesn’t leave much time!
Janine says
Aw, it won’t be long now and so excited for you all!! I can’t believe our trip is almost over and can’t wait until our next trip in the summer still!!